It would be best if you could actually try these guns and with various IWB holsters. We are all different we all need to be fitted individually to our guns, and equipment
Dfarriswheel gives great advice as always. Others have shared many great ideas as well.
I happen to like dedicated .38spls. I happend to be real partial to Older K frames, like the Model 10.
I feel the 3" RB K frame - is the best combat handgun, in a revolver there is. Yes a .357 would me my preference for more combat needs. I prefer blued guns...
I have a 3" RB HB Model 64. I have no idea how many hours carried, or rounds fired. How many new shooters have shot it. It works, every darn time it works.
I have shot it indoors, I have shot it inside a vehicle, being a low pressure rd, I do not have the flash, recoil ,or noise a .357 does. For inside a Apartment, and having to answer the door, or next to to bed, I have a combat weapon , even in .38spl that will its part - if I do mine.
No adjustable sights to hang on a steering wheel, seat , or roof of vehicle, nothing that will catch on bed linens, and I find I have a BG standing over my bed.
I like the 3" model 10, harder to find, I like the other offerings shared in this thread too.
I chose to buy six, 4" Model 10s -used police guns for hidden guns in a business.
After I bought my NIB 3" Model 64, tested it, and checked it out. One dozen of these were bought, at my suggestion. Six were carried on person, and the other six hidden in a business.
These employees liked them so well, another dozen 3" RB Model 64's were ordered for home and family use.
Sales Rep was out with us, shooting, and he liked them so well , he had our Gun Guy order another Dozen 3" RB HB Model 64's. He carried two, sometimes 3 while on the road and staying in hotels. The other 7 were for his family to use.
All told, our gun guy, now passed sold 4 dozen of these, in about 60days.
Might explain why these might of been hard to get for some folks at a certain region and point in time.
Blame Steve as they say...